Global Condemnation Over Israel’s Plan to Seize Control of Gaza

AFP/APP

Geneva: Countries across the world on Friday denounced Israel’s announcement that it intends to seize control of Gaza City, warning the move would escalate the conflict and deepen the humanitarian crisis.

The United States has not directly commented on the plan. President Donald Trump said Tuesday his focus was on increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, adding: “As far as the rest of it… that’s going to be pretty much up to Israel.”

UN: ‘Dangerous Escalation’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the Israeli move a “dangerous escalation” that would worsen conditions for Palestinians.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk urged Israel to halt the plan immediately, allow full humanitarian access, and pressed Palestinian armed groups to release hostages.

Diplomatic sources said several countries had requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

EU: Warning of Consequences

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and “immediate and unhindered access” for aid, urging Israel to reconsider its decision. European Council president Antonio Costa warned the move would have “consequences” for EU–Israel relations.

Hamas and Iran

Hamas labelled the plan a “new war crime” that would “cost it dearly.” Iran’s foreign ministry accused Israel of seeking “ethnic cleansing” and committing “genocide” in Gaza.

China and Germany

China reiterated that “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people” and called for an immediate ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Berlin would halt military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza.

UK and France

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned the plan would “only bring more bloodshed.” France said it would constitute “serious violations of international law” and lead to a “dead end,” undermining Palestinian aspirations and threatening regional stability.

Canada and Turkey

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move would not improve the humanitarian situation, reaffirming Canada’s plan to recognise Palestine at the UN next month. Turkey urged global pressure to prevent “forcible displacement” of Palestinians.

Spain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt

Spain condemned the escalation, calling for a permanent ceasefire, mass humanitarian aid entry, and hostage release. Saudi Arabia accused Israel of committing “crimes of starvation” and “ethnic cleansing.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned the plan undermines the two-state solution. Egypt condemned the announcement “in the strongest possible terms.”